LAKE JOCASSEE
› Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park can be accessed from two entry points: The Grassy Ridge access off N. C. 281, about three-quarters of a mile south of U. S. 64 in the community of Sapphire; or the Frozen Creek access area on Frozen Creek Road, 3.5 miles south of U. S. 64, just west of Rosman.
› Grassy Ridge
The Grassy Ridge access area includes the park’ s developed features, including the visitor center, two picnic shelters, modern restroom facilities, the family campground and the park’ s most popular trails. A very popular trail begins at the visitor center and connects with the Bearwallow Valley observation deck, Bearwallow picnic shelter and the Upper Bearwallow Falls. This 2.2-mile moderate trip is great for all ages.
› The Rainbow Falls Trail
New picnic sites have been added to the Grassy Ridge Parking Lot, home to the Rainbow Falls Trail. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a 3-mile roundtrip that is strenuous and travels west out of Gorges State Park into Pisgah National Forest to the Horsepasture River and two of the most scenic waterfalls in the region, Rainbow and Turtleback.
› Frozen Creek
The Frozen Creek access area provides an entry point to the rugged interior of the park. The Frozen Creek trailhead provides access to numerous trails, including the Auger Hole and Canebrake Trail, both accessing the Foothills Trail, along with four new trails— Heath Pine Ridge, Lime Kilns, Indian Camp and Wintergreen.
› Lake Jocassee
Other primitive backpacking sites can be found along the eastern shores of Lake Jocassee and at the terminus of Heath Pine Ridge, Indian Camp and Wintergreen trails. Mountain bikers and horseback riders are welcome on the Heath Pine Ridge, Indian Camp and Wintergreen trails.
TRANSYLVANIA EXPLORER 2026 15